Spinning Beach Ball of DEATH

Download and post an Etrecheck report:

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

Ciao.

Try these basics:

Reset SMC and NVRAM:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Then try a safe boot:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

Ciao.

According to Apple's specifications, your model can use at most 8 GB of memory, but you've installed 16 GB. The results are unpredictable. The manual for the product gives instructions for adding aftermarket memory that read something like this:

You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory.

I know the RAM vendor says that the out-of-spec configuration will work. If you accept that assurance, please ask the vendor for help with any problems you have with it. Otherwise, reinstall the original memory, or new memory that complies with Apple's instructions.

Linc Davis wrote:

According to Apple's specifications, your model can use at most 8 GB of memory, but you've installed 16 GB. The results are unpredictable. The manual for the product gives instructions for adding aftermarket memory that read something like this:

You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory.

RAM in a MBP will not work properly if there is a manufacturing defect or that it does not meet the required specifications for the given MBP. This is the case regardless of the capacity of the module, be it 2GB, 4GB or 8GB. Therefore it becomes a question if a MBP can or should have RAM installed that will exceed the published Apple specifications.

The first instance of third party RAM purveyors offering RAM exceeding Apple specifications in a MBP goes back to 2007. Since then, some MBP models have been found to be able to use RAM exceeding Apple specifications, some have not.

You make the claim that "The results of installing more than 8 GB are unpredictable." What are these 'unpredictable' results? The only result that I can see is that it will allow the MBP to run more efficiently, especially when engaged using resource intensive applications. That is a positive, If there is a downside, please let me know what it is.

Has Apple ever issued a statement that the published specifications cannot or should not be exceeded? If so, please provide such a statement.

Two of my MBPs have 16GB Crucial RAM installed. This was done shortly after acquiring them and they have performed with our any indication of RAM problems. I have yet to see any post on these forums indicating that installing RAM of greater capacity in a MBP, than Apple specifications, has caused any problems (excluding manufacturing defects, incorrect specifications and when not applicable to the specific MBP model). If you have, please post it.

Both Crucial and OWC are two well established firms with competent technical staffs at their disposal have determined that certain MBPs can exceed the 8 GB maximum that you suggest should not be exceeded. Since both offer lifetime guarantees for their RAM, it is in their interest to make certain that they have it right both from a technical and public relations perspective.

Therefore the third party reader has to decide if they want to install more than 8 GB RAM in their MBP, should they be guided by professional purveyors of RAM or by unsupported allegations from an 'anonymous stranger'.

Ciao.

Let me also point out that both your links exclude MBPs. Details matter.

To get any value out of this site, you have to learn to ignore the noise.

You have a problem now. Unless you test without the out-of-spec memory, you're never going to know whether it's contributing to the problem. Good luck.

Linc Davis wrote:

To get any value out of this site, you have to learn to ignore the noise.

In no way does this post refute my rebuttal to you unsubstantiated comments in regards to RAM. By your not addressing my questions, I must assume that you have no evidence that installing RAM exceeding Mac specifications will be problematic and are merely expressing your opinions and are not able to provide and factual evidence or proof.

Ciao.

If convenient, purchase a bare 2.5" SATA HDD and install it in the MBP. Then try Internet recovery, booting the MBP with the OPTION + COMMAND + R keys. If successful, that will allow you to install the original OSX in your MBP.

If you have an Apple store nearby, a visit to the genius bar might prove fruitful. The evaluations are always FREE.

Ciao.

Internet recovery will require a solid Internet connection. Format the new HDD in Disk Utility>Erase and the see if you can install the OSX (from the 4 option menu).

Ciao.